In a historic landslide, veteran independent lawmaker and proud Irish socialist Catherine Connolly has been elected the 12th President of Ireland. Her triumph marks not only a seismic shift in Irish politics but also a resounding affirmation of the values she has championed for decades: peace, equality, and people-powered democracy. In a time when far-right ideologies are globally resurgent, Ireland’s choice of a socialist president signals a powerful commitment to equity, inclusion, and grassroots democracy.
Connolly’s political journey began in Galway, where she served as mayor and later as a Teachta Dála (TD) in the Irish parliament. Throughout her career, she has remained fiercely independent, refusing to align with establishment parties and instead advocating for bottom-up governance, public ownership, and social justice. She has consistently opposed austerity, calling it a betrayal of working-class families and a barrier to equitable development. Her critiques of NATO and EU militarism reflect a deep commitment to Irish neutrality and global peacebuilding. She has also spoken out against corporate globalization, arguing that profit-driven policies erode community well-being and democratic accountability.
Grassroots support
Connolly won 63.4% of the vote, dominating in 42 of Ireland’s 43 districts. Her campaign was powered not by corporate donors or party machines, but by volunteers, rank and file organizers, and everyday citizens who saw in her a leader who listens, reflects, and speaks on behalf of the working-class people of Ireland. Her victory shattered the previous record set by Éamon de Valera in 1959 when he oversaw the drafting of a new Irish Constitution, which established Ireland as a sovereign state.
Vision for a just and inclusive Ireland
In her victory speech, Connolly pledged to be “a voice for peace,” “a moral compass,” and “a champion of diversity.” She has vowed to amplify marginalized voices, including immigrants, Indigenous communities, and the economically disenfranchised. She vowed to defend Ireland’s neutrality while promoting international solidarity and human rights. Her stance on Gaza, where she has condemned Western complicity in violence, underscores her commitment to ethical foreign policy and humanitarian principles
Her socialist roots, forged in community struggle and principled dissent, offer a counter-narrative to neoliberal orthodoxy and elite-driven governance. As she prepares to take office on November 11, 2025, Connolly embodies a politics of compassion, courage, and conviction: one that dares to believe that another World is possible.
As Ireland welcomes a new president with socialist roots, it’s worth reflecting on the deep historical ties between Irish socialism, anti-imperialism, and global solidarity especially with the Palestinian people. These connections are not new. They are rooted in a shared experience of colonization, resistance, and the enduring belief that liberation is a collective struggle.
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